The Sedalia weekly bazoo. [volume] (Sedalia, Mo.) 187?-1904, 1887-02-15

| ing MISS Flrot, VINO happened 10 DO
nearest to him as he approached the
organ:
MIR. Brande has sent me to sing
he is too much III for this night, and
also for Sunday, he thinks. But il it
10 pleasing sing his part for all. !"
Miss Prot only bowed and smiled
but did not speak. There was great
reason for her silence. She had fallen
in love with this young man, of whose
existence she had been aware three
seconds 1t is not to be wondered at
that, in the confusion of her senses.
she had also, for the moment. mislaid
her voice.
$50 very glad said Lucy Crumm.
all animation, and treasured Oh the
score of the quartet; ..but SD very sorry
TO hear Mr.. Brande is i'll. Nothing
serious, hope? We were inst wonder
ing how we should manage. You read,
1 suppose? Mr.. Aiken. will you please
hand-thanks. We intended to re-
hearse this quartet. All along here is
Mr.. Brande's part-the tenor 5: the
bass comes in next below; but, of
course, YOU understand"
''Oh. yes-yesr
He was already humming through
the bars of the music she had placed
in his hand, like one sure of his
ground.
Miss PirOtr'
Miss Prot started visibly. theh
walked over quickly 10 her place with
heightened color. When had she
ever before needed a summons TO duty?
No one appeared to notice her embar-
rassment, for all eyes were now fixed
on the open books, and Miss Crumm's
strong fingers were pressing the keys
1t was wretched night; the rain fell
in torrents, chilly wind was blowing,
the streets were wet and dismal, and
Marie Prot was walking under an UNI
brella with Gustave Wetzel and cling
ing fondly to his arm. The rain was
binding her somewhat, but her tears
were binding her still more-furtive.
bitter tears, such as women often weep,
unknown to all the world. The
crowded street cars passed them every
minute or two. but Marie had refused
TO ride. This was the last time they
would ever walk together-the last of
many, many times. She could not
afford to shorten these few sad moments
of parting and farewell. He had come
to the choir that evening only TO tell
them that he had been suddenly called
back to Germany and must sail i'm the
morning; but he had stayed and sang
over with Marie some of the old
duets, and now they were walking
home together, slowly. through all the
storm. by the way they had learned to
know so well.
AT first few words were spoken be-
tween them. Marie felt only the
thrills of unreasoning love. the de-
light of contact, the bliss of ihiS dual
solitude encircled by rain and storm
and darkness. To her ii maltered lit
lie what they said or where they went.
so that they were together; ami to-
morrow was pushed as far from her
horizon as if il We're twenty years
away. But all the truth came back Oh
her like shock when GuStavcS voice
said, gently:
81 must thank you, Miss Prot. for
the kindness You Lave given TO me al
wayS-tO me, a stranger; all these
pleasant walks and our music. to-
gether. | shall often think of your
lovely voice when am far away.
I'VE have indeed had pleasant
times, she answered bravcly and
clearly. after moments pause. ''But
why need YOU go if you have been
-happy-here? All. you-you have
not many regrets. You are glad. |
Think"
Indeed. am glad" and glad his
face looked-eXcited and eager 1T
is grand opportunity now that offers.
You can understand, if one has been
planning long and waiting. that one
might be glad to see the fultillment
near"
YES" said Marie That one word
only, and i'm her voice was the huski-
ness that comes with tears.
''Ah, well, | see my way now clear"
he continued. gayly and brightly. All
unconscious of the mute tragedy that
went on beside him. he poured out the
story of his disappOintments in the
past-of his plans and visions for the
future. Marie listened silently. IL
seemed each moment that the tide of
carry with il the fine reserve of her
nature. its womanly dignity and pride.
She called up all her strength at last,
in desperate effort.
81 must leave you here" she said,
stopping suddenly at the corner of
Fourth avenue. 81 have some bust
nesSs to dol will say goodnight and
goodbye. | hope you may have
pleasant journey"
''Bnt surely not! | can not leave
you in this storm. Let me escort you
where you wish TO go-so dark and
such rainr
Il have my own umbrella here"
She raised it as she spoke. Thank
you, very. very much. but | prefer to
60 alone. And you know" smiling
cfr him, Il ghall Iox-a 30 H.